Bantam Hen being picked on

[swakita]

Hi! So I have this sweet little booted bantam lady, Pip, that has been raised from a chicken alongside all other chickens in the flock. I originally had two but lost one at a week old, so I never intended to have her be the only “mini” among the others. Everyone’s been fine up until about a month ago when I noticed Pip being chased away by other hens in the flock. I’ve seen it happen when she tries to get food, water, and occasionally when the hens are just hanging around searching for snacks together, if Pip comes around they’ll chase her away from the group. I haven’t seen anyone actually become physical with her, and she doesn’t look beat up at all, and I have made sure she does eat and get water as well. I just feel so bad for her she’s scared and is often out roaming by herself instead of with the others (which I hate seeing as I live in rural Maine woods and a tiny chicken like her would unfortunately make a great snack for a fox). Lately she’s started to sleep up on a 2x4 in the wall instead of on the roost with the others. I’m not sure what to do or if there’s much I can do? They’re all about 6 months old, and I know pecking order is a thing but I’m not entirely sure that’s what this is? The rooster never engages with her, it’s only the hens. Should I rehome her or try and wait it out? I’ve been trying to “correct” the hens when they do bully her, but it doesn’t really do much. Anyone have any ideas or tips? I love this little booted lady and would hate to have to rehome her, but I also hate seeing her so scared

 

[rosemarythyme]

Do you know if she's laying? The photos would indicate that she's not (but I don't know if they're recent), but if she's matured slower than the others then that might be why she's not accepted with the other hens.

If she's not being physically hurt she's probably not doing too badly, but if you don't already have multiple feeders spread out as well as an additional waterer I'd think about adding those, to ensure she gets a chance to eat and drink at least.

If bullying worsens then maybe it would be best to rehome her since it sounds like she's the odd bird out. But there'll always be a bottom bird in the pecking order.

 

[swakita]

Do you know if she's laying? The photos would indicate that she's not (but I don't know if they're recent), but if she's matured slower than the others then that might be why she's not accepted with the other hens.

If she's not being physically hurt she's probably not doing too badly, but if you don't already have multiple feeders spread out as well as an additional waterer I'd think about adding those, to ensure she gets a chance to eat and drink at least.

If bullying worsens then maybe it would be best to rehome her since it sounds like she's the odd bird out. But there'll always be a bottom bird in the pecking order.

I am almost positive shes laying based on the very tiny eggs we've been getting. The photos are not recent, the one of her on my leg is from around april I would say. But I dont see any indication of physical injury on her, she looks like shes doing pretty good but is definitely an outcast. I assumed this was just how birds at the bottom of the order may be treated but I wanted to make sure I wasn't keeping her in an unsafe environment. Thank you!!